Antigravity A1 Lands on TIME’s Best Inventions List Before Even Shipping

Antigravity’s A1 drone has earned a coveted spot on TIME magazine’s Best Inventions of 2025 list, marking a significant milestone for the Insta360-incubated drone brand before its first unit even ships to customers. The recognition comes just two months after the 8K 360-degree drone was announced in August, validating the company’s bold entry into DJI-dominated airspace.

TIME editor Craig Wilson selected the A1 for the Consumer Electronics category, describing it as “an immersive, 360-degree drone camera” in the publication’s October 9 announcement. The A1 shares the category with Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 and other high-profile consumer tech products.

World’s First All-in-One 360 Drone Design

The Antigravity A1 stands apart from existing drones through its built-in 8K 360-degree camera system. Unlike previous solutions that required external camera attachments, the A1 integrates dual ultra-wide lenses mounted on the top and bottom of its fuselage from the ground up.

Advanced stitching algorithms remove the drone itself from footage, creating what Antigravity calls an “invisible drone” effect. Pilots can look in any direction during flight using Vision goggles with head tracking, while the Grip controller handles flight direction independently through FreeMotion technology.

This separation of viewing and flying represents a fundamental shift from traditional FPV drones, where pilots must look where they fly. With the A1, users capture everything in 360 degrees and reframe shots during editing, eliminating missed moments.

Strategic Sub-250 Gram Weight Class

At exactly 249 grams (8.8 ounces), the A1 sits just below the 250-gram threshold that triggers FAA registration requirements for recreational use in the United States. This weight class also exempts the drone from operator licensing requirements in most international markets, dramatically expanding its potential audience.

The drone includes forward and bottom obstacle avoidance sensors, return-to-home functionality, and a payload detection system designed to prevent unauthorized modifications. Max Richter, Co-Founder and VP of Marketing at Insta360, stated the A1 is “unlike anything we’ve helped bring to market, and it’s set to revolutionize drone flight in several key ways.”

January 2026 Launch with Estimated $999+ Pricing

Antigravity plans a global launch in January 2026, though final pricing and bundle details remain unannounced. Industry sources estimate the standard bundle, including the drone, Vision goggles, and Grip controller, could start around $999, with creator-focused packages potentially exceeding $1,500.

The company is currently running a co-creation program, offering pre-production units to selected creators who can provide feedback and compete for a share of $20,000 in rewards.

DroneXL’s Take

TIME’s recognition arrives at a crucial moment for Antigravity. When we covered the A1’s announcement in August, we noted the significant challenges facing any company attempting to compete with DJI’s market dominance. Sony, GoPro, and Skydio have all struggled or abandoned consumer drone efforts.

But TIME’s endorsement three months before launch provides something money can’t buy: mainstream validation from a respected non-industry source. This isn’t drone enthusiasts hyping another DJI competitor—it’s TIME magazine telling millions of readers this product matters.

The timing also raises interesting questions about Chinese drone manufacturers and U.S. market access. Both Antigravity (via Insta360) and DJI face potential regulatory headwinds, yet TIME’s recognition suggests the innovative approach of building a drone around 360 capture—rather than just adding cameras to traditional platforms—resonates beyond industry circles.

Whether the A1 can actually carve out sustainable market share remains to be seen. But earning Best Inventions recognition before shipping a single unit? That’s the kind of launch momentum most drone companies only dream about.

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